{"id":47163,"date":"2026-09-18T14:55:04","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T19:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/?post_type=tribe_events&p=47163"},"modified":"2026-09-18T14:55:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T19:55:04","slug":"conference-on-illinois-history","status":"publish","type":"tribe_events","link":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/calendar\/47163-conference-on-illinois-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference on Illinois History"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"image_print\"Print<\/span><\/a><\/div>

A complicated first lady, enslaved people starting new lives, women fighting for fair housing, even actors performing on horseback \u2013 all those stories and more will be told Oct. 1 and 2 at the Conference on Illinois History, presented by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

The highlight of the first day will be a presentation by Lois Romano, author of the best-selling biography \u201cAn Inconvenient Widow: The Torment, Trial, and Triumph of Mary Todd Lincoln.\u201d\u00a0 She will discuss the challenges Mary Lincoln faced, including profound personal losses, struggles with mental health and unfair treatment by the law and the men in power around her.\u00a0 Romano will also describe her intense research, which included significant work at the presidential library.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second day of the conference brings a unique double feature:\u00a0 a presentation on bicycling in Illinois and a display of vibrant, bicycle-themed art.\u00a0 Cyclist and Illinois Wesleyan University professor Chris Sweet will discuss biking history, its cultural impact and his own experiences on the road.\u00a0 Meanwhile, artist and musician Jeff Williams will showcase paintings that capture the spirit, movement and beauty of cycling.<\/span><\/p>\n

The price is $99 to attend both days of the conference, or $59 for each day.\u00a0 Student prices are $30 and $20.\u00a0 Register at https:\/\/presidentlincoln.illinois.gov<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The conference also includes sessions designed specifically for teachers interested in learning new ways to explore history in the classroom.\u00a0 Participating teachers can earn professional-development credit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Presented in conjunction with the Illinois State Historical Society, the conference brings together university historians, independent researchers, government experts, teachers and students to share the latest research into the history of Illinois.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants will hear the stories of:<\/span><\/p>\n